Kristen Graham

Inquirer Staff Writer

Kristen Graham has covered the Philadelphia School District since May 2008. A native Philadelphian – and a product of the district and Temple University – she has written about everything from crime and county government to education since joining the Inquirer in 2000. If asked politely, Kristen, who has also spent time as an online producer at Philly.com, will sing as much of “Hail Northeast,” her high school’s alma mater, as she remembers. She comes from a family of teachers and believes there is no more difficult or important job than that of an educator.

Kristen is a Pulitzer Prize winner, part of a team whose "Assault on Learning" series about violence in the Philadelphia schools won the 2012 prize for public service for the Inquirer. During the school year, you’ll frequently find her chatting live on Philly.com about the district. Please do pass along the scoop about what’s going on at your Philadelphia public school; Kristen welcomes tips, story ideas and witty banter at kgraham@phillynews.com or 215-854-5146.

The sabbatical was announced to principals in an email from Nixon and to other staffers in an email from William R. Hite Jr., the new superintendent.

Nixon, who has overseen academics during an incredibly tough and tumultuous time in the district, will finish her doctoral studies at the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education.

District spokesman Fernando Gallard said the sabbatical was solely for the purpose of Nixon's studies and not related to investigations of state exam cheating. Nixon was formerly principal of Wagner Middle School, one of the 53 district schools still being probed for possible improprieties.

Hite said he made the announcement with "mixed feelings."

"I support her commitment to continue her education to further pursue her goals and career, but she will be sorely missed," Hite wrote. "Her leadership and commitment to our students, families, teachers, principals and schools have allowed the district to overcome a tumultous period and move forward. I am grateful for the tremendous work she has done on behalf of the children of Philadelphia."

Nixon, a Philadelphia native, worked her way up through the ranks of district leadership, serving as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent and finally chief academic officer. She was promoted to her current job in January, when the School Reform Commission installed Thomas Knudsen as chief recovery officer.

"I am pleased that we had a successful school opening, and the new superintendent is transitioning well into the district," Nixon wrote to principals. "As always, I wish you a school year filled with great success."